Watchung Arts Center to present Indian Classical Series

On Saturday, Oct. 6 beginning at 8 p.m., Watchung Arts Center presents yet another evening of mesmerizing Indian classical instrumental music, this time showcasing the crowning glory of Indian musical instruments: the Sitar, accompanied by the always-alive, always-surprising: Tabla, through the supreme talent of Shri Partha Sarathi Chatterjee and Shri Suryaksha Deshpande.

Shri Partha Sarathi Chatterjee started his Sitar training when he was 5-years-old with Smt. Maya Mitra, a famous Veenakar, and later with the Late Pandit Indranil Bhattacharya of the Senia-Maihar Gharana in the true “Guru-Shishya style.” Over the years, Partha Sarathi has toured all over India and Europe, performing alonside several prominent musicians like Pandit Swapan Choudhari, Ustad Sabir Khan, and Bikrom Ghosh. He was the recipient of the “Young Talents Award” in 1998, in Kolkata and the ‘Jadubhatta Award’ in 2001.

Shri Suryaksha Deshpande is a disciple of renowned scholar and performer Pt. Arvind Mulgaonkar of Farrukhabaad Gharana, and Pt. Sudhir Mainkar of Delhi Gharana. He has won many awards including the prestigious V. D. Paluskar Award, and was recently awarded the Fellowship for Junior Artists by the Dept. of Culture, Govt. of India. He is also a celebrated artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan.

Tickets are $18 for non-members, $15 for WAC members, $8 for students. You may purchase tickets securely through Eventbrite.

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Upcoming performances include:

Saturday, Nov. 2, 8 p.m., “Jazz in the Gallery” ImpresaRIO Concert: Rio Clemente, The Bishop of Jazz, $18 in advance, $22 ($20 for WAC members, $10 for students) at the door. The center is fortunate to welcome back this master pianist. The audience will be treated to the energy and charisma of this jazz virtuoso and enjoy a night filled with musical inspiration and pure joy.

Friday, Nov. 9, 8 p.m. “Contemporary Pop”: Jonathn Ashe, $16 in advance, $20 ($18 for WAC members, $8 for students) at the door. Ashe got his start in the 60s playing electric bass and touring extensively with Tommy James and the Shondells playing music that brought a feel-good atmosphere to any venue. A superb guitarist and singer, employing compellingly versatile vocals in the genre of greats like Jim Croce and Van Morrison.

The Watchung Arts Center’s Gallery and office hours are noon-3 p.m., Wednesday-Friday, and Saturday by appointment.